1.One Nation-One Ration Card Scheme Implemented On Pilot Basis In Four States
In a major boost to national food security government, today launched the One Nation-One Ration Card scheme on a pilot basis in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat from today.Families who have food security cards can buy subsidized rice and wheat from any ration shop in these states. Their ration cards should be linked with Aadhar Number to avail this service.The white Ration Card holders in Telangana have been getting the portability facility, enabling them to buy their subsidized rice and other food grains from any Fair Price Shop in the state.The same facility can be utilized anywhere in Andhra Pradesh now through PoS machines under the One Nation One Ration Card scheme which has come into force in the two states.The Centre is intended to extend the programme to all states by August next year so that the portability of the food security card implemented.
2.MIB Launches A Competition For Designing Postage Stamp
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has launched a competition for designing a Postage Stamp along with the First Day Cover to commemorate Golden Jubilee edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI).The winner will receive a Certificate of appreciation and travel and hospitality for 2 nights and 3 days to become a part of 50th IFFI which is organised by the Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Government of Goa.Interested person may login to www.mygov.in to participate in the competition. Golden Jubilee edition of International Film Festival of India which will be organised from 20th-28th November, 2019 at Goa.International Film Festival of India (IFFI) started way back in 1952, is an ‘A’ grade film festival accredited to the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF) and is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in Asia. IFFI showcases a collage of the best of contemporary and classical films from around the globe. The contest is open on MyGov platform from 1st August, 2019 to 15th August, 2019.
3.UGC Recommends 20 Educational Centres For Status Of Institutions Of Eminence
The University Gants Commission (UGC) hasreleased a list of 20 institutes – 10 public and 10 private for the grant of the Status of Institutions of Eminence (IoE).The institutions which are given IoE status from public category include, Delhi University, BHU, Hyderabad University and IIT Madras and Kharagpur.The UGC made the recommendations on the report of the Empowered Expert Committee set up by the government under the chairmanship of N Gopalaswami.Jadavpur University and Anna University can be considered for issue of the IoE status only after the respective State Governments have issued an official communication allocating their share of the funds (upto 50%).
4.NIA (Amendment) Act Comes Into Force With Issuance Of Notification Today
National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act ,2019 has come into force today after the notification issued by the Union Home Ministry in this regard. Parliament had approved the bill giving more powers
to NIA on 17th of July.The act aims at enhancing the jurisdiction ofNational Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate scheduled offences committed outside India targeting Indians as well as Indian assets abroad.The latest amendment will enable the NIA to additionally investigate offences related to human trafficking, counterfeit currency, manufacture or sale of prohibited arms, cyber-terrorism and offences
under the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.It also provdes for constituting special courts for the trial of scheduled offences such as human trafficking and cyber terrorism.The NIA was set up in 2009, a year after the Mumbai terror attacks.
5.Nation Remembers Pingali Venkaiah Who Designed National Flag
Pingali Venkaiah, a freedom fighter and the designer of the flag on which the Indian national flag was based was born on Aug 02nd in 1876, near Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh.It is his 143rd birth anniversary.Venkaiah’s design for the National Flag was finally approved by Mahatama Gandhi in a Congress meeting in Vijayawada in 1921.
6.Over 3.5 Lakh Water Conservation Measures Taken Up Under Jal Shakti AbhiyanIn
a countrywide effort to enhance water security, especially in water-stressed districts, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, JSA delivered over 3.5 lakh water conservation measures in 256 districts during thelast month.Out of these, 1.54 lakh were of water conservation and rain water harvesting measures, 20 thousand related to the ejuvenation of traditional water bodies, over 65 thousand were reuse andrecharge structures and 1.23 lakh were watershed development projects.An estimated 2.64 crore people participated in the Abhiyan making it a people’s movement. Around 4.25 crore saplings were also planted as a part of the efforts.Union Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha appreciated the efforts and commitment shown by the nodal officers and encouraged them to closely work with districts for bringing significant changes
through key interventions and initiatives.
7.“Aadi Perukku” Festival Being Celebrated In Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, the “Aadi Perukku” festival is being celebrated today. People performed puja’s on the banks of larger water bodies including sea coasts, lakes and rivers.In view of the festival, water has been released from the Stanley Reservoir in Mettur, especially for the celebration along the River Cauvery in the Delta districts.As per the tradition, married women performed rituals for the good health of their spouses, while unmarried girls held prayers for their marriage. However, in many places, the festival lost its sheen due to the drought-like situation that is prevailing for two consecutive years.Aadi is the name of the current Tamil month, and Perukku is the term for the flooding of waters.
8.Elephant Population In Country Estimated At 29,964 As Per 2017 Census
Elephant population in the country is estimated at 29,964 as per the census conducted in 2017.The South Region accounted for 14,612 followed by North East with 10,139 elephants. The tiger populationacross the country is estimated at 2,967 as per the 2018 census.The census of tigers is undertaken at the national level once every four years and that of elephants at every five years.As per the India State of Forest Report 2017, there has been an increase of 6,778 kilometers of forest cover at the national level as compared to the assessment of 2015.The increase in forest cover is attributed to plantation and conservation activities both within and outside Recorded forest areas.
9.About 35 Lakh People So Far Benefited From Ayushman Bharat Yojana In Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is one of the best performing state under Ayushman Bharat Yojana. About 35 lakh people have so far benefited from the scheme in the country of which five lakh are from Chhattisgarh.Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched country’s first health and wellness centre under Ayushman Bharat Yojana on April 14 last year, at the remote Jangla village in Maoist affected Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.More than Five lakh people have so far been benefitted from the Ayusman Bharat scheme. State has utilized more than three hundred crore during the last eight months under this scheme.About one lakh persons in Chhattisgarh have availed treatment for cardiac ailments under this schemeAyushman Bharat Scheme was launched with a vision to provide the poorest of the poor, and the underprivileged sections of society, with better healthcare and treatment.This scheme, which envisions health assurance of 5 lakh rupees per family per year, is targeted to benefit over 50 crore people, and is the world’s biggest health assurance scheme.
